Policy brief – Nordic Initiatives on Aquatic Food Systems : System Preparedness and Recommendations for Increasing Seafood Consumption

Authors:

Ingrid Kristine Pettersen, Morten Heide, Themistoklis Altintzoglou, Max Nielsen, Kira Lancker, Liisa Lähteenmäki, Sveinn Agnarsson, Cecilia Hammarlund, Hans Ellefsen, Heri á Rógvi

Summary

This report brings together key insights into how aquatic food production is organised across the Nordic region. It shows that the Nordics have strong seafood industries but also significant vulnerabilities, including reliance on imported feed, processing outside the region, and shared fish stocks affected by unstable international agreements. There is also a clear gap between where fish are produced and where most people live. At the same time, Nordic consumers eat less fish than recommended, influenced by cultural habits, lack of skills, high prices, and negative sensory perceptions. The report highlights that strengthening food security and increasing sustainable consumption requires resilient value chains and long‑term strategies that make it easier for people to choose aquatic foods.

Year
2026
Pages
10
Language
English

Publication type Research report

Series
NORD, 2026:003